Deck 3: Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Question 1

All of the following are true regarding the diagnosis of a delusional disorder EXCEPT:

A) It involves the presence of one or more delusions for at least a one-month duration.
B) The delusions can be considered either bizarre or non-bizarre in nature.
C) This diagnosis is the most disabling of all of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
D) Persecutory delusions are the most common type.

Answer 1

This diagnosis is the most disabling of all of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Question 2

Believing that someone is loved by another person, usually of a higher status, when there is no evidence to support that belief is characteristic of the ______ type of delusional disorder.

A) jealous
B) grandiose
C) nihilistic
D) erotomanic

Answer 2

erotomanic

Question 3

When working with clients with delusions, a recommended strategy is for therapists to:

A) place the initial focus directly on the delusions, rather than secondary symptoms like insomnia.
B) participate in and validate the delusions so the person feels understood.
C) discuss the delusions enough to understand them, then gently suggest alternative explanations.
D) strongly confront and challenge the person about the delusions.

Answer 3

discuss the delusions enough to understand them, then gently suggest alternative explanations.

Question 4

Which of the following is true regarding brief psychotic disorder?

A) Culturally sanctioned behavior (e.g., hearing voices as part of a religious experience) does not qualify as a symptom.
B) The psychotic symptoms must last more than 1 month.
C) It is the same as attenuated psychosis syndrome.
D) The prognosis for full recovery is very poor; a return to the premorbid level of functioning is unlikely.

Question 5

All of the following are true regarding schizophreniform disorder EXCEPT:

A) Symptoms must last between 1-6 months for the diagnosis.
B) Early diagnosis and treatments of the diagnosis leads to a better outcome.
C) A significant level of functional impairment is not required for the diagnosis.
D) The presence of negative symptoms contributes to a better outcome.

Question 6

Hallucinations and delusions are considered _____ symptoms while flat affect or inability to experience pleasure are _____ symptoms.

A) negative; active
B) positive; negative
C) positive; neutral
D) neutral; negative

Question 7

The DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia is the same for children and adults.

Question 8

During which of the following ages does the first full-blown psychotic episode usually occur?

A) 40s
B) 30s
C) 20s
D) 10-15

Question 9

All of the following can make a person more susceptible to schizophrenia EXCEPT:

A) being a second-generation immigrant
B) family history of schizophrenia
C) use of cannabis and stimulants
D) childhood trauma

Question 10

Which of the following is true regarding using medications for those with schizophrenia?

A) Medication alone is the most effective treatment for schizophrenia.
B) Currently very few medication exist for the treatment of schizophrenia.
C) Medications are more effective at reducing positive symptoms than improving negative symptoms.
D) Ongoing medication compliance rates are very good (i.e., >80%) for those with schizophrenia.

Question 11

All of the following are true regarding interventions with schizophrenia EXCEPT:

A) An integrated treatment for both substance use and schizophrenia is advised because of their co-occurrence.
B) Medications and contact with helping professionals work best on a short-term or "as needed" bases, rather than extended time periods.
C) Family-focused interventions help reduce relapse and rates of re-hospitalization.
D) Group socialization/support and social skills training may be considered for those stable on their medication.

Question 12

Schizoaffective disorder involves the combination of psychotic symptoms and an anxiety disorder.

Question 13

In general, treatment interventions for schizoaffective disorder will be similar to those for schizophrenia.